Allen&Heath GR2 PL-12 USER GUIDE 2

PL-12 Wall Plate AP6506

User Guide

The PL-12 is an ‘intelligent’ remote controller for use with the Allen & Heath
GR2 audio zone mixer. It provides the non-technical operator with local control

of the music source selection and/or audio level. Up to two controllers may be
connected, just one, one for each zone, or a single unit to simultaneously
control both zones. A menu of setup options allows the installer to configure
its function to match the specific requirements of each application. Additional
switches may be wired for room combining situations and to disable the
controller when the settings should not be changed. The optional PL-5 hand
held infra-red remote controller adds wireless control, and additional features
including the store and recall of up to 4 source/level presets. The PL-12 can
be mounted into a single unit wall box using the standard face plate provided,
or furniture mounted using the cutting template details given here. It interfaces
with the GR2 using standard CAT5 cables. The second controller daisy chains
with the first for convenient single run cabling. Space is provided on the panel
for custom labelling.

ALLEN&HEATH

GR2

PL-12

PL-5

SOURCE
INDICATOR

SOURCE -

SOURCE +

SOURCE
SELECT

SOURCE

OFF

PRESETS

DISABLE SWITCH OPTION

LEVEL
INDICATOR

LEVEL
CONTROL

INFRA-RED
SENSOR

1

2

3

4

5

HEATHALLEN&

ZONE 2 FOLLOW ZONE 1 OPTION

LEVEL
UP/DOWN

SOURCE
SELECT

MUSIC
MUTE

FACE PLATE
FIXINGS

PL-12 Controls

• Source select Scroll up/down through the available music sources.

• Source indicators Light green to show the selected source, red for mute.

• Rotary level control Adjusts audio level in 32 steps from off to on.

• Level indicator 8 LED bar to display the level.

• Infra-red sensor Detects the optional PL-5 hand held controller.

• Label space Recessed areas for custom labelling.

PL-5 Controls (Option for the PL-12)

• Source select keys Scroll up/down through the available music sources.

• Source keys Direct selection of available music sources 1 to 4.

• Source off key De-selects all sources.

• Level keys Adjust the level up or down.

• Music mute key Silences the selected source.

• Preset keys Store and recall up to 4 presets of level and source selection.

PL-12 Installation

• Face plate fixings Mount the module to the wall plate.

• Zone select jumper Configures which zone to control.

• Disable option Wire a switch to lock out the controls.

• Zone 2 follow zone 1 option Wire a switch for control of both zones.

• To GR2 RJ45 for CAT5 cable connection to GR2.

• To next PL-12 RJ45 for CAT5 cable connection to second PL-12 if used.

TO NEXT PL-12

RJ45/CAT5

ZONE
SELECT JUMPER

TO GR2
RJ45/CAT5

PL-12 User Guide AP6506 issue 1 1

• Zone 2 follow zone 1 mode Setting for one PL-12 to control both zones.

• Sources to select Choice of combinations of none, 1234, 123, 234, 23.

• Source off Add a source off position to the selection.

• Power up default Choice of off, last settings, or one of 4 presets.

• Preset enable Store and/or recall of 4 level/source presets using the PL-5.

PL-12 Setup Menu (Accessed and stored on the PL-12)

A

A

aluminium wall plate is supplied according to territory, UK
(part number AA5029), EU (AA5250) or US (AA5030). A
suitable backing box for the UK plate can be ordered

20

(AA5220). The module fits into an ‘H’ shaped cutout in the
centre of the face plate. The module is held using the two
screws with plastic clamps provided (A). Unscrew these

20

from the module first. Should a custom mounting plate be
required, a template (in millimetres) is provided here.

DIA 6

Ensure that enough space is provided for the cables.

Safety ground Ensure that the supplied aluminium face plate (or any

Mounting to the face plate A pre-cut brushed

TOP

32

16

c

16

12

16

34

16

custom metal plate) is correctly grounded to ensure operator safety. The plate
should be connected to a local safety ground. Use a ground wire or physical
contact with a grounded back box.

MAX CABLE LENGTH

2x PL-12
1x PL-12 120 m

Z1 Z2

4

1

32

60 m 1 m
50 20
40 40
30 60
20 80
10 100

CN2 CN1

TO GR2LINK

DISABLE REMOTE

Z2 FOLLOW Z1

Connections Use standard one-to-one wired CAT5 / RJ45 cables. The

control of both zones is passed down a single CAT5 cable. Connect the GR2
ZONE REMOTE port to the first PL-12 TO GR2 port (CN1). If two remotes are
used, connect the first LINK port to the second TO GR2 port (CN2). Do not
connect more than two remotes. Note the maximum cable length from the
diagram shown here. Use unbooted plugs to ensure the cables can fit into the
backing box. Allow enough service loop for module removal.

Assigning which zone to control Set the module jumper plug to

the Z1 (zone 1) or Z2 (zone 2) position. Do this while the remote power is
turned off. If two remotes are used they must not be set to control the same
zone. The first remote in the chain may be set to either Z1 or Z2.

Wiring a disable switch (option) Solder pads are provide for

connecting an external switch to disable the remote and protect the settings,
for example when the room should not be used. Such a switch could be
located near the GR2 or in the manager’s office. Each remote can have its own
disable switch. When disabled, the 4 source indicators light red.

Wiring a zone 2 follow zone 1 switch (option) Solder

pads are provided for connecting an external switch to change the operating
mode so that the zone 1 remote controls both zone 1 and zone 2. This is
useful when two rooms are used independently or combined into one on some
occasions by opening a divider screen. When combined, the zone 1 remote
controls the speakers simultaneously in both rooms. The switch must be
connected to the zone 1 remote. Connect the wires to a manually operated
switch or a micro-switch that changes state when the divider screen is opened
or closed. When the screen is open the switch contacts should be closed.
Note that setup menu option 1 may be used instead of the switch to
permanently set this mode if the one remote always controls both zones.
Option 8 determines whether follow affects the level and source, or source
only. If source only, the level can be independently set for each zone using
both remotes. If level and source, the zone 2 remote is fully disabled.

Configuring the GR2 The GR2 can be configured to operate in many

different ways. Check that its front panel DIP switches are correctly set for your
application. Make sure the remote enable switches MNOP are set according to
which zones you want the PL-12 units to control, and whether they should
work with just the level or level and source selection. Refer to user guide
AP6320. Also decide which music sources to include in the selection.

remote enable

Z1 source

Z1 level

PONM

Z2 level

on

Z2 source

PL-12 menu options A setup menu is available to configure the

remote to match your application. For example, you may wish the source
selection to scroll between 2, 3 and 4 if you have configured the GR2 for 4
music sources with music 1 a jukebox priority source that should not be
selected on the wall plate. Refer to the menu table later in this guide on the
options available.

Configuring the PL-12 Default setting is to select between music

Note: On power up, the PL-12
firmware version number is displayed
briefly on one of the 8 level indicators.

2 PL-12 User Guide AP6506 issue 1

sources 1, 2 and 3, to power up with the last settings, the PL-5 preset store and
recall functions disabled, and the zone 2 follow zone 1 function affecting both
source and level. A good starting point is to reset the remote before
configuration. Refer to the reset and option menu instructions later in this
guide. Use the CONFIGURATION SHEET in the GR2 user guide to log your
system and option settings (can be downloaded from www.allen-heath.com).